Watch Through the Eastern Gate

Through the Eastern Gate is a spiritual documentary released in 2007, directed by David D'Arcy. The movie features His Holiness the 41st Sakya Trizen, a Tibetan Buddhist religious leader, who takes us on a journey of spiritual discovery and exploration. The film is a fascinating portrayal of His Holiness' teachings, set in the context of his travels to Europe and North America. We follow his experiences as he speaks at conferences, addresses university students and meets with people from all walks of life. Through his interactions, we get a glimpse of the wisdom of a truly enlightened teacher, and the ways in which his teachings can be made relevant to contemporary concerns.

What is particularly striking about Through the Eastern Gate is the way in which His Holiness communicates with diverse audiences. He is not afraid to express his message in plain language, and is always willing to help people discover the connections between their own lives and the greater spiritual path that he teaches. Through interviews with his students and other spiritual leaders, we see the profound impact that his teachings have had on the lives of those who have encountered him.

The film is also a beautiful visual exploration of the world that His Holiness inhabits. We are shown some of the stunning natural landscapes of Tibet, as well as the elaborate and ornate architecture of the Potala Palace, the traditional residence of the Dalai Lama. We also see glimpses of the vibrant cultural life that still thrives in Tibetan communities outside of Tibet, such as the colorful dances of Tibetan performers in Europe.

Through the Eastern Gate is not just a movie about Tibetan Buddhism, but a celebration of the diversity and richness of the human spiritual experience. We are shown how His Holiness' teachings can be integrated into different spiritual traditions, and how the universal values of compassion and love are at the core of all great spiritual teachings.

One of the most powerful aspects of the film is the way in which it encourages us to seek out our own spiritual paths, and to embrace the transformative power of spiritual practice in our own lives. Through interviews with various spiritual seekers, we see glimpses of the many different ways in which people are striving to connect with the divine, whether it be through yoga, meditation, or simply a life of compassionate service to others.

Overall, Through the Eastern Gate is a deeply moving and inspiring film that gives us a glimpse into the profound wisdom of one of the world's greatest spiritual teachers. It reminds us that spiritual growth is a never-ending journey, one that requires us to remain open to new experiences and to constantly seek out new ways of deepening our connection to the divine. If you are interested in exploring the fundamental questions of existence, and in discovering the transformative power of spiritual practice, then this film is not to be missed.

Through the Eastern Gate is a 2007 documentary with a runtime of 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.